Take a tour of Poland

Even better than the real thing

Despite the heavy damage that Poland suffered in the Second World War, many of its historic buildings have been meticulously reconstructed using much of the original bricks and materials. Its countryside is dotted with medieval castles and wooden churches and filled with ten thousand lakes. The land hides many animals that are extinct in other parts of Europe, including the brown bear, the grey wolf and the Eurasian lynx, as well as being an important breeding ground for birds.

What can you experience on our Poland holidays?

Krakow

Poland’s former capital, which was lucky to survive the Second World War relatively unscathed, is home to more historic architecture than any other city in the country. Wawel Hill offers panoramic views over the city, on which stand Wavel Castle and Cathedral, widely held to be its most spectacular sight. The castle, with its stunning, colonnaded inner courtyard, was the seat of Poland’s rulers for centuries. As well as revealing its castle and cathedral, our Local Specialists will take you round the old town, full of Gothic churches and the huge Market Square, surrounded by medieval townhouses and with the 14th century Cloth Hall. There’s also the option to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the world's oldest salt mines, where dozens of sculptures and even a chapel are carved from the rock salt.

Weather in Krakow

Average Rainfall

570mm

Typical July

17°c

Typical January

-2°c

Warsaw

Combining elements of both east and west, and still have been rebuilt after the Second World War, Warsaw has a picturesque old town. In fact, it was reconstructed so accurately that it has been named a World Heritage Site – with attractive Baroque palaces, colourful houses and gorgeous parks. Attractions include Lazienki Park, where peacocks wander the manicured lawns and Chopin concerts take place on summer Sundays; St John’s Cathedral; and the lavish, gilded Royal Palace – a carbon copy of the original 14th century building razed in the war.

Weather in Warsaw

Average Rainfall

540mm

Typical July

17°c

Typical January

-1°c

Auschwitz

A visit to Poland would not be complete without seeing the state memorial to the victims of Auschwitz, on the site of the camp itself. Drawing 1,300,000 visitors in 2013, the site is both a museum dedicated to researching the Holocaust, and a memorial, with displays from every nation whose people died there.